Your first palliative care appointment(s)
Assessment of needs and creating a plan
The first step in starting palliative care is working with your palliative care specialist to determine what support will benefit you now and to plan for your future.
You can expect the first several appointments to cover things such as:
- Essential medicines and symptom relief
- Your current and future treatment plan
- The opportunity for you and your family to ask questions and share concerns
- The expected progression of your illness
- Your care preferences now and planning for later care
- Additional forms of therapy that may benefit you
Talking with a healthcare team
You may find The Conversation Project’s “Guide for Talking with a Health Care Team” helpful to organize your thoughts before your appointment.
What to bring to your first palliative care appointment
- A list of questions from the patient and/or their caregivers. Our list for you to consider is included below.
- A list of the patient’s current medications, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and vitamins/supplements being taken.
- Any advance care documents already completed by the patient, such as: The patient’s advance care plan (advance directive), patient’s medical power of attorney, durable do not resuscitate form/physician’s order for scope of treatment form.
Did you know?
Don’t worry if these documents have not been completed. Your palliative care team will help answer your questions and guide your work on the documents.
Questions to ask at your first palliative care appointment
The palliative care team will spend time with you and your caregiver(s) discussing your illness, symptoms and long-term goals. In addition to writing down specific questions you have regarding your care and illness.
The following questions may help ensure you get the information you need at this time:
- What can I expect from palliative care?
- Where will my care be provided (e.g., in the hospital, home, nursing home)?
- Who is on the palliative care team?
- What are your recommendations for my care?
- What decisions need to be made by either my family or me?
- Will you communicate openly and candidly with my family and me about my illness?
- How will you work with and communicate with all my other doctors?
- Who should I contact first if I experience severe pain or other symptoms?
- What support will you provide to my family and/or caregivers?
- Will you be available to me throughout my illness?
- How often should I meet with you?
- How can I reach you?
- What resources do you recommend for me to learn more about palliative care?
Questions adapted from GetPalliativeCare.org.